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Dos and Don’ts of Video Communication

Hilde Frydnes | 25th November 2014

DO look into the camera

The viewer will feel like you are looking at them, creating a more engaging and personal bond. As you record, try to maintain natural movement of the eyes, which means glancing here and there, but your main focus should be on the camera. Remember that the camera is slightly up on your phone, so if you look at the camera rather than looking yourself into the eyes as you record, you'll get a more direct look. If you are unsure of where to look, try a test video where you try it out and see what the difference is.

DON'T shout

While it is important to speak clearly and loud enough for the video to pick up your voice without problems, avoid shouting into the camera. Not only will it make the viewer uncomfortable and intimidated, it will also make you less than your best, with strained face muscles and not an attractive posture. And maybe most importantly, the sound is likely to be really poor. If you shout your voice will likely be uncomfortably loud to listen to when someone views your video, and if you have to shout to drown out surrounding noise, you are better off waiting to record until you are in a quieter place, as it's just not going to come out well.

DO think about what you are going to say - but DON'T use a script

Depending on the type of video you are recording, you may be improvising to varying degrees. Answering a question off the bat is often the best way to capture your real and unfiltered reaction, while you might want to have a think before you record more complex responses or use Miituu to present something. Avoid using a script though, as it often makes you look unnatural and stiff in the video, and your focus is on your piece of paper rather than your recording. There is nothing wrong with thinking through your answer, and you can even jot down your key points if it helps, but don't read off a script if you want to come across naturally on film.

DON'T forget who your audience is

Adjust your language and speaking style to your intended audience. If you are a manager recording a message to staff, you can use internal corporate lingo, but if you are trying to reach a wider audience or responding to a question, make sure you use terms and phrases you are sure they understand - explain if necessary. There are also so many use cases for Miituu, so consider whether you are recording an educational, informative or sales message, for instance, and adjust your tone and style accordingly.

DO consider the background

The best backdrop to a video is usually nature. Check out how your surroundings might end up looking on the video, and try to go to a nice, calm area. Avoid very visually busy backgrounds (unless that is your purpose), and if you have to stay inside, think about how you can make your video slightly more interesting than just having the white office wall behind you. And check your video for funny situations in the background before you submit...

DON'T film in a room with no furniture

The main reason to avoid a completely empty room is that the sounds quality is likely to be rather poor. An empty room provides too much echo-echo-echo, and your voice is likely to sound tinny or hollow. Try to find somewhere with soft furnishings which will muffle unwanted sound and provide better sound quality.

DO go outside

Natural light and neutral greenery in the background usually makes for the best films. Go outside, find a tree, a leafy bush or a garden where you can record your video in peace, and make sure the sun falls on your face rather than behind you.

DON'T be scared

It's actually surprisingly easy to record a good video. Hold your camery slightly higher that your chin to get a flattering angle (and avoid the dreaded 'up-the-nostril' shot), make sure you have decent lighting and record in a quiet and comfortable space, and your video is very likely to turn out well. Take a deep breath before you record to calm your breathing, and just go for it - you can always re-record if you don't love your first shot. The more video you do, the better it will be!